Preparing for the bar exam is a journey. Along the way, you will likely receive advice from countless sources about how to best prepare. That advice may be conflicting at times; however, there is one method that receives nearly universal endorsement: practice tests. To succeed, you must do more than just study the law; you must master the test itself.
The bar exam is structured unlike any other test you have taken. Whether you are sitting for the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), the NextGen UBE (beginning in some jurisdiction in July 2026), or a state-specific (non-UBE) version, it is a marathon of focus and endurance. Only by simulating the actual exam conditions—the timing, the question formats, and the subject variety—can you truly prepare for what lies ahead.
Here are actionable tips to help you pass your state's bar exam.
Why Practice Exams are So Critical
You wouldn’t run a marathon without first running more than a few miles in training, right? For the bar exam, practice tests are the only way to truly replicate the experience of the actual day.
To get the most out of your practice, create an environment that mirrors the real exam.
- Find a quiet space free from distractions.
- Adhere strictly to the official timing for each section.
- Take breaks only when you would be allowed to during the test.
This discipline builds the mental fortitude required to perform under pressure. By the time you walk into the testing center, you will be prepared not only for the content but for the test of endurance.
Pinpoint Focus Areas Through Assessments
Frequent knowledge assessments provide a comprehensive snapshot of your proficiency across all subjects, showing you exactly where to focus your energy. Reviewing diagnostic results allows you to identify which subjects you have mastered and which require more attention. This targeted approach is the key to maximizing your study time.
BARBRI Bar Review is unmatched in the quality of our curriculum and learning methodology. Included throughout our courses are benchmarking and mock exams that support deeper understanding and reinforce concepts.
The BARBRI AdaptiBar MCQ Simulator is a highly effective multiple-choice question bar prep supplement designed to help you understand bar exam sample questions with clear, detailed explanations regularly updated to reflect changes in the law. With a real-time data dashboard, you’ll always know exactly how you are doing. Plus, a patented advanced timing analysis ensures you are prepared to finish the exam on time.
Our simulated exam for the UBE and NextGen UBE comes with the most accurate Pass Predictor that helps you gauge where you stand compared to other students prepping for the same bar exam.
Master Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) Practice Tests
The MBE is the multiple-choice component of the bar exam and often forms a significant portion of your overall score. Success here depends on two things: understanding the law and recognizing how it is tested. The best way to develop this skill is through consistent practice with high-quality questions.
While many sources offer free practice questions, quality varies. You need questions that accurately reflect the style and difficulty of the real MBE. Most BARBRI Bar Review options provide expert-written MBE practice questions—including real, licensed questions from past bar exams.
Practicing with actual questions from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) ensures there are no surprises on test day.
Learn how to approach MBE questions with our video lectures.
Conquer Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) Practice Tests
The MEE is the second aspect of the UBE and consists of six 30-minute essay questions. The MEE requires you to spot issues, organize your analysis, and write a coherent response quickly. Simply knowing the law isn't enough; you must practice communicating and applying it in written form.
Effective MEE preparation involves working with practice essays that mimic the real exam and getting feedback on your work. The AdaptiBar Writing Guide helps you achieve maximum points on bar exam essays.
BARBRI Bar Review students receive personalized feedback from a team of attorney legal writing experts on their MEE practice essays. These graders understand precisely how MEE essays are scored and provide the coaching needed for refined legal writing.
Excel on the UBE Multistate Performance Test (MPT) with Practice
The MPT is different. It does not test your knowledge of substantive law. Instead, it assesses your ability to perform a realistic legal task using a provided file and library. You must be able to sort through information, identify relevant legal principles, and complete a task like drafting a memo or a brief. (Note: The NextGen Bar Exam includes a variation of the MPT that is referred to as a performance task.)
As with other bar exam sections, practice is non-negotiable for success on the MPT or performance task. The AdaptiBar Writing Guide is a highly effective way to build substantive knowledge while learning effective writing strategies.
Get the Bar Prep Advantage with BARBRI
When preparing for the bar exam, the resources you choose will play a key role in defining your success. BARBRI has you covered. We’ll equip you with the best tools and a proven strategy, so you walk into the bar exam with the confidence that you are ready for anything.
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